Think

Success and purpose in life are often defined in the wrong places by the wrong values. Life’s real blessings may be ignored. Those who do not take blessings for granted make up a select group of special people.

The Samaritan was responsive to what God had done in Christ. Among the ten former lepers only the Samaritan received the full blessing and assurance of Jesus. The returning leper’s gratitude revealed his faith. And he heard the comforting words: “Your faith has made you well.”

Living apart from God leaves little room for true thanksgiving in life. God is present and available. The question is — are you responding in faith to God? Return. Draw near. God hears your cry. God delivers.

James R. (Jim) Smith is President of the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship Foundation. Smith has served as pastor and on staff of churches in Oklahoma, Texas, and Missouri. Jim and his wife Debra have a son, a daughter, 5 grandchildren, and live in Lilburn, Georgia with their dog, Barkley.